MOUNT WASHINGTON - When Dr. Laurie Ford was a child growing up in her hometown of Tompkinsville, she dreamed of becoming a dentist and having her own practice.

After graduating from the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in 2006, she got her feet wet as an associate dentist with a group practice in Okolona.

Last year she decided to pursue her childhood dream of opening her own practice and she began looking for the perfect location.

As someone who grew up in a small town, Ford wanted to operate in an area where she could not only practice dentistry, but become part of a community and she found the perfect location in Mount Washington.

On Jan. 17, Ford and her husband, Chad Hill, opened Ford Family Dental, determined to offer the best dentistry services they could in a family type atmosphere.

“It’s a dream come true,” Ford said.

Ford said what makes her practice unique among others is that she treats all of her customers like family, just as she was treated as a child visiting her dentist in Tompkinsville.

“My logo is modern dentistry old fashion values,” she said. “I think everyone should be treated as if they’re a family member”

Ford also said it was important to give back, so she plans to get involved in the community and make herself visible.

“My dentist back home was very active in the community and I wanted to do the same in my practice,” she said. “That’s the way I was raised.”

Prior to graduating from the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry, Ford received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Western Kentucky University.

Ford is a member of the Louisville Dental Society, the Kentucky Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

Fresh to the community, Ford is also a member of the Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce.

Ford and her husband reside in Bardstown with their dog, Buddy.

Ford Family Dental is located at 6442 Highway 44 East, Suite 140, across from Pleasant Grove Elementary School.

Open Mondays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Ford Family Dental offers a wide variety of general and cosmetic dentistry to folks of all ages in a family friendly atmosphere.

For more information call (502) 538-8881 or email inquiries to fordfamilydental@hotmail.com.